Jan

7

Ankara Travel Guide

January 7, 2008 |

A trip to Ankara
Ankara, the capital city of Turkey and the country’s second largest metropolis, offers visitors a rich culture and history, most noticeable in the city’s architectural styles. The old city with its narrow winding lanes and restored historical buildings is lined with quaint restaurants and cafés. The more modern, commercial centre is a hive of entertainment and is also home to a number of high-end hotels.

Flights to Ankara
Ankara’s small yet efficient international airport serves many connecting flights from larger cities, in particular, from Istanbul. Regular, daily flights arrive from domestic destinations in Turkey to the capital in less than an hour. Taxis are available at the airport for connections to your hotel.

Rail and bus services from across Europe can be taken to Istanbul, from where regular connecting rail, bus and air can be taken to Ankara. Car hire is another popular mode of transport, with travel time from Istanbul to Ankara less than five hours. The road system, in general, is of reasonable standard and good signage makes navigation quite easy.

There are a number of options for getting around the city, including buses, taxis, trains and more recently underground services. The bus is probably the most reliable and widespread service. Dolmus, large shared taxi vans that circuits the city, can be waved down anywhere. Among tourists, travel by private taxi is the preferred option.

Sightseeing in Ankara
Throughout the years Ankara has been ruled by a number of different groups including the Galatians, Romans and Byzantines. The Ataturk Mausoleum is among the most interesting sites in the city, while the ancient ruins and architectural sites of the old city provide an insight into the different cultures that have inhabited the city. Mosques and churches offer further evidence of the diverse culture of the city. Outside the city centre, Amasya and Gordion are two sites shrouded in a wealth of myth and legend.

Fun by night – eating, drinking and partying
Eating and drinking options are plentiful in Ankara. Eating is a treat, with a range of fine dining restaurants offering cuisines from around the world and a host of local foods. Bars across the city stay open until the early hours of the morning, with live music and DJs to entertain lively party-seekers.

Ankara’s Opera House offers a chic cultural experience and a welcome excuse to put your glad rags on. The International Arts and Music Festival is a lively celebration worthy of attendance in April. In fact, Ankara is proudly considered the cultural capital of Turkey, meaning that cultural events here are a regular occurrence.

Fun by day – shopping and activities
Shopping is one of the most pleasurable experiences in Ankara, with unique Turkish carpets being some of the most unusual bargains to take home. The old city is lined with charming shops selling everything from fresh fruit to stunning antiques. The new quarter of the city has a number of modern shopping complexes with all the usual high street names and plenty of boutique style shops.

Day time excursions are plentiful with a number of fabulous options such as the Roman Baths, the Museum of Anatolian Civilisation and the Ataturk Farm and Zoo, the latter being suitable for families with young ones.


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